1 1/2 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
1/3 cup cooking oil
1 cinnamon stick
3 cloves
3 star anise
3 cardamom pods
1 lemongrass white part only, pounded and cut into strips
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
5 kaffir lime leaves bruised
5 tablespoons toasted grated coconut
1 tablespoon sugar or to taste
salt, to taste

Spice Paste:

6 Shallots
1 inch piece galangal
3 stalks lemongrass white part only
4 cloves garlic
1 inch piece ginger peeled
10 dried chilies (chili arbol)

All all the ingredients of the Spice Paste in a food processor. Blend well. Heat the oil in a skillet, add the Spice Paste, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and cardamom pods and stir-fry them until aromatic. Add the chicken and lemongrass, stir to combine well with the spices. Add the coconut milk, water, and simmer on medium heat, stirring frequently until the chicken is almost cooked. Add the kaffir lime leaves, toasted coconut, stir to blend well with the chicken.

Lower the heat to low, cover the lid, and slowly simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the liquid has dried up. Add more sugar and salt to taste.

Serve immediately.

Submitted by: Mithra